Welcome the Year of the Snake 🐍 with 5 Snake Chinese Chengyus!

The Spring Festival, also known as Chinese New Year, marks a time of joy, togetherness, and renewal in Chinese culture. As the most significant annual celebration, it’s a time to honor traditions, share blessings, and reflect on the symbolic meanings behind the zodiac animal of the year.

With 2025 welcoming in the Year of the Snake, let’s learn 5 fascinating and humorous Chinese chengyu (idiomatic expressions) inspired by snakes, blending wisdom, humor, and creativity to add an extra flavor to this festive season.

1. 有蛇(捨)有得

(yǒu shé/shě yǒu dé)

• Literal Meaning: “There’s a snake/giving, and gain.”
• Definition: “If you give something up, you will gain something else in return.”

Just as a snake must shed its old skin to make way for new growth, we too must let go of what no longer serves us to embrace new opportunities.

This phrase is especially relevant during the Lunar New Year, a time of renewal and fresh starts.

You can encourage children to reflect on what they can “shed” in the coming year—such as bad habits or fears—to inspire personal growth.

2. 鲁蛇(Loser)翻身

(lǔ shé fān shēn)

• Literal Meaning: “A loser turns over his body.”
• Definition: A modern pun symbolizing a comeback or turnaround.

This humorous expression combines “鲁蛇” (a slang term for “loser” in Mandarin) with “翻身” (to turn over). It represents resilience and hope—qualities that align perfectly with the spirit of a new year, when everyone aspires to a fresh start and new successes.

You can share this chengyu with friends and family to spread some lighthearted humor and positivity. It’s also a great way to introduce modern Taiwanese wordplay into traditional celebrations, bridging generational gaps and keeping the festivities lively.

3. 蛇(舌)灿莲花

(shé càn lián huā)

• Literal Meaning: “A snake/tongue blooms like a lotus.”
• Definition: Describes someone whose words are as beautiful as a blooming lotus.

In Chinese culture, the lotus symbolizes purity, beauty, and eloquence. This chengyu is used for praising those who speak beautifully and wisely, and use words like a blooming lotus.

During family gatherings, you can use this phrase to encourage kind and thoughtful communication. Teaching children the value of speaking beautifully.

For more chengyu content, please check these resources as well:

4. 蛇(舍)我其谁

(shé/shě wǒ qí shuí)

• Literal Meaning: “If not a snake/me, then who?”
• Definition: Reflects confidence and readiness to take responsibility or lead.

This chengyu captures the essence of courage and determination. It’s a call to action, perfect for encouraging children (and adults!) to step up and face challenges with confidence in the coming year.

5. 画蛇添福(足)

(huà shé tiān fú/zú)

• Literal Meaning: “Draw a snake and add blessings/legs.”
• Definition: Originally a caution against unnecessary actions, this version replaces “legs” (足, zú) with “blessings” (福, fú), transforming it into a positive and creative phrase.

This blessing chengyu is perfect for decorating Spring Couplets, the red banners displayed during the Lunar New Year.

You can also encourage families to brainstorm their own creative interpretations and incorporate them into the couplet designs. This activity not only adds a personal touch to decorations but also deepens the cultural connection to the language.

Suggested Activities to Celebrate the Year of the Snake

Chengyus are more than just linguistic expressions; they’re a window into Chinese culture and values. Here are some ways to integrate these sayings into your Spring Festival traditions:

• Craft Spring Couplets: Use these chengyus as inspiration to create your own couplets. Display them around your home to share blessings and add a festive atmosphere.

• Family Discussions: Share the meanings of these chengyus and discuss how they relate to your family’s experiences and aspirations.

• Chengyu Games: Turn these idioms into a fun guessing game or storytelling activity with the help of the illustrations to engage children.

• Art Projects: Encourage kids to draw or craft images inspired by the snake-themed chengyus, making the celebrations more meaningful.

As we enter the Year of the Snake, let these chengyus serve as a source of inspiration, humor, and connection. Whether you’re reflecting on personal growth, sharing laughter with loved ones, or creating meaningful decorations, these idioms offer a rich and engaging way to celebrate Chinese New Year traditions.

Which chengyu resonates most with you? Share your thoughts and let’s make this Year of the Snake a memorable one!

For more chengyu content, please check these resources as well:

Happy New “Snake” Year!